Looking for advice please!!

[Harrypotter101]

Hello, I have finally seen a gynaecologist about years of heavy painful periods who has said there may be a possibility of endometriosis and has listed me for a laparoscopy. I am at the stage in life where I am not quite ready to start the journey of trying to get pregnant but would like to start this in the next 2-4 years. I am really torn between having the laparoscopy now to see what is found and waiting to see if I have any trouble conceiving as fertility is one of my big concerns. For context I have had a normal ultrasound which has made me feel like a ‘fraud’ for having the surgery (even though I know it is not always visible) and question putting my body through surgery when my scan was normal. Has anyone got any friendly words of wisdom or can anyone give any advice or experiences ? I don’t know anyone who openly shares their experience with endo/laparoscopy therefore I do really lack knowledge and confidence in my decision. Thank you! 🙏

[KatyT1984]

Hey, i think it’s crazy you have been listed for a lap straight away when there’s less invasive ways of finding out. I had an MRI scan to confirm mine (stage 4 endo) which then guided the surgeon when it came to having my lap. I had tried the mirena coil and hormone treatment and was still in agony so was very keen for surgery. Have u tried any hormone treatment? This cud b an option before going down the surgical route. I wud ask for an MRI. My ultrasound just showed enlarged ovaries, it didn’t show any endo, it’s only an MRI scan which is sensitive enough to show it.

[Harrypotter101 in reply to KatyT1984]

Thank you so much for your reply. I have tried 3 types of hormonal treatment which did help to some degree but my GP is proactive in looking for a cause of my issues as I was worried the hormones were masking an underlying issue. I didn’t realise an MRI could potentially show if there was any endo so I will definitely ask if that is an option for me. Thanks again.

[KatyT1984 in reply to Harrypotter101]

You are welcome, I’ve heard lots of ppl just go straight to a lap but I was lucky that my gyny doctor is a specialist in endo and it was the first thing he wanted rather than going straight into the invasive route. I’m awaiting another mri as I had my lap a year ago and have all my symptoms back again unfortunately and my gyny doctor has straight away booked an urgent mri x

[Moonglo]

Hello! It’s pretty typical for scans to show as ‘clear’ because the person doing the scan is unlikely to be experienced enough to spot endo.

It can take a very long time for an endo diagnosis; some people wait for years and have to have multiple referrals, second opinions etc. Think about it this way - would you rather explore whether you have endo now, when you have the luxury of time, or when you’re ready to have a baby and possibly getting delayed/stressed because there’s a time pressure, and you’re feeling more emotional about it?

Whatever you decide, make sure the doctor is a specialist in endometriosis and not just a general gynaecologist. And follow your instincts as you are the best person to know your body.

[Harrypotter101 in reply to Moonglo]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. I hadn’t looked at it from that point of view! I haven’t had the chance to speak to people who have actual experience with making this decision so it is very helpful and I very much appreciate it. As KatyT suggested, I am going to ask if I can have an MRI to see if this gives any more of an indication which may help me feel more confident in my decision. Thank you again for your help!

[Moonglo in reply to Harrypotter101]

Yes, it’s a good idea to try an MRI first if you can. Best of luck to you!